About+Us

Prior to founding Children's Theatre Academy in Kenosha, **Kristin Stone Northern** taught choir and theater in the Waukegan and Kenosha public school systems. Since forming C .T. A, she taught in the independent school sector at Armitage Academy in Kenosha, and now is in her 22nd year of education at Andrew Cooke Magnet School for the Fine Arts and Sciences in Waukegan, Illinois where she is the Assistant Principal. Her dedication and expertise allowed her to build the leading middle school theater program in their respective cities. A number of her students have continued with theater after leaving; succeeding in such places as the Interlochen Arts Academy and Summer Arts Camp, and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Kristin earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree from Cardinal Stritch University and a Master of Science in Elementary Education from American College of Education. She currently lives in Kenosha with her husband and three children, Alexis, Noah, and Isabelle.


 * Julie Ann Seidl** has over 35 years of directing and choreographing experience. Julie Ann was the original owner of Sass Productions, Inc. and has produced, directed and choreographed at St. Joseph High School, Lincoln Performing Arts, and has free-lanced in Chicago and Milwaukee. Recently, Julie Ann retired after 38 years of public education and now works at Equinox Spa in Kenosha. Julie Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health from Carthage College and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. She lives in Kenosha, with her son, Rico, and her two dogs.


 * Laura Stone**, has been teaching for 14 years in the Kenosha Unified School District. She has worked with Lincoln Performing Arts, Kenosha Unified Summer Theater, and Children's Theatre Academy in the capacity of Director of Development. In addition to her teaching experience, she has also been the coach of the Lincoln Middle School Cheerleading Squad. Laura received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from University of Wisconsin at Platteville, Wisconsin State Teaching Certification from CESA, and a Masters of Science in Teacher Leadership (Cross-Categorical Special Education) from Silver Lake College. Laura currently resides in Kenosha with her dog, Sasha Fierce.